You are here

Bhai Lal

Bhai Lall Ji (1929 - Nov 5 2012) is the actual 17th generation muslim descendant of Bhai Mardana Ji (1459-1534). Bhai Mardana Ji was a follower and travelling companion of the Sikh founder Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaaj. He was with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaaj in all of his journeys across India and Asia, which was for around fifty-four years. Bhai Mardana Ji used to play the string instrument, the Rabab, while Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaaj would sing shahads, paath etc. Some of Bhai Mardana Ji's shabads are in Sri Guru Granth Saihb Ji. The very first raagi acknowleged in Sikh history was Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaajs trusted friend and companion, Bhai Mardana Ji.

Bhai Lal was know for his distinct and traditional way of performing Gurbani Kirtan. He used to explain Gurbani, in Kirtan, by quoting instances from Gurbani itself. He was born in Goindwal Sahib before the partition of Punjab. After the partition of Punjab between India and Pakistan in 1947 he had to migrate to western part of Punjab that is a province of Pakistan. He had inherited the Gurbani Kirtan from his ancestors and he has passed this inheritance to his sons – Naiyen and Mohammad Hussain. He was honoured by various organizations and he had received 58 major awards during his lifetime.